Kiev decked out to the nines for the Champions League final
The host city for the 2018 final has been putting the finishing touches to decorations and installing facilities with over 870,000 euros spent on infrastructure.
The city of Kiev has been busy finishing preparations for the expected 140,000 visitors (those with and without tickets) to watch the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool on 26 May.
Security measures
Kiev's city council have spent 870,000 euros in making sure the city centre is ready for the occasion particularly in improving infraestructura to ensure that both sets of supporters are safe. Like in last year's final in Cardiff, there will be security scanners in place in all routes to the NSC Olimpiyskiy stadium and concrete bollards and barriers to prevent a possible terrorist attack with the use of vehicles.
Festival area and Fan Zones
Much of the festivities running up the game will take place at the Champions Festival fan zone where both sets of travelling fans can mingle (UEFA have yet to specify where the official fan zones for both clubs will be). Activities in the mixed festival area will include a five-a-side match between legendary Ukrainian players with Andrei Shevchenko having already confirmed his presence. The festival area will be located in the heart of the city in Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti), just of the main Khreshchatyk Street thoroughfare.
Press area expanded at the Olimpiyskiy
The Olimpiyskiy stadium's also been given a bit of a makeover. The press box has been amplified to accomodate the 800 journalists accredited to cover the game.
There will also be a number of rehearsals takling place over the next few days - including musical entertainment for the final, which will be provided by Dua Lipa, and planning for stewards, media officers and security staff. Protocols for evacuating the stadium in case of emergency are already in place.
Final to shown on big screens at the Bernabéu and Anfield
Both Real Madrid and Liverpool will give their fans the chance to watch the final broadcast live together on large screens at their respective stadiums. Madrid season ticket holders can watch the final free from their usual seats at the Bernabéu and will also be able to invite two guests - one guest will be given free access and another allowed in for a flat 10 euro fee.
Liverpool will be opening up the doors at Anfield to fans who want to watch the game from the Kop and Main Stand. The club has set ticket prices for the screening at 10 pounds with children able to get in half price.
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